Britain backs Pakistan after base attack: Hague

LONDON: British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Monday condemned the attack on a naval base in Karachi and said London stood alongside Pakistan in the fight against violent extremism.

Pakistani forces regained control of the base 17 hours after heavily armed Taliban gunmen attacked under cover of night late Sunday, destroying two US-made surveillance planes and killing 10 personnel.

"I condemn the attack on the Pakistan military facility in Karachi which has killed many service personnel and injured many more," Hague said.

"I offer my sincere condolences, in particular to the families of those who have lost their lives and to those who have been injured.

"This attack once again demonstrates the seriousness of the threat that Pakistan faces from domestic militancy and extremism.

"The UK remains committed to standing with Pakistan in the shared fight against violent extremism." (AFP)